Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics

quirkyalone (kwur.kee.uh.lohn) n. adj.

A person who enjoys being single (but is not opposed to being in a relationship) and generally prefers to be alone rather than date for the sake of being in a couple. With unique traits and an optimistic spirit; a sensibility that transcends relationship status. Also adj. Of, relating to, or embodying quirkyalones. See also: romantic, idealist, independent.

Are you a quirkyalone? Do you know someone who is?

Do you believe life can be prosperous and great with or without a mate?

Do you value your friendships as much as your romantic relationships?

Do gut instincts guide your most important decisions?

Are you often among the first on the dance floor?

Coupled or single, man or woman, social butterfly or shrinking violet, quirkyalones have walked among us, invisible until now. Through the coining of a new word, this tribe has been given a voice.

Meet the quirkyalones.

Read about:

The quirkyalone nation: where we live, what we do

Quirkytogethers (quirkyalones who have entered long–term relationships)

Sex and the single quirkyalone

Romantic obsession: the dark side of the quirkyalone's romantic personality

Quirkyalones throughout history (profiles in courage)

Publishers Weekly

The morning after Cagen, founding editor of the independent magazine To-Do List, attended a New Year's Eve Party Totally Devoid of [the] Midnight Kiss, she had what she calls a spontaneous exclamation. She and her friends were quirkyalones. The word came to her fully formed, and in this zany, untraditional book, she explains the word and the movement it spawned. Quirkyalone stands in opposition to saccharine, archaic notions of romantic love. It stands for self-respect, independent spirit, creativity, true love, and confidence, Cagen writes, her words echoing with the uplifting message that it's not strange to be single; rather, single is the new norm. Cagen speaks out against dating for the sake of being in a couple and highlights the celebrities who fit and don't fit the quirkyalone mold (Oprah: of course; Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks: [E]nemies of quirkyalones everywhere). The primary text is spiced up with quotes that zip sideways along the margins, profiles of self-proclaimed quirkyalones, rough pencil drawings and jazzy lists, and the book ends on a suitably quirky note-with a short story Cagen wrote when she was 13. Fun, inspirational and provocative, this book is the perfect antidote to the Valentine's-inspired coupling craze. (Jan.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.